It is true that dual diagnosis presents multiple and complex issues that must be faced. It is not true that any single worker, or even any single agency has to face them alone. Unfortunately however, the different specialties involved in the care and treatment of people with these complex needs each have their own understanding and policy frameworks which don’t always complement each other very well.

Nevertheless, throughout the whole health and social care system various themes remain constant. By focussing upon these areas of consistency it is possible to organise any one of the many services involved in a way that compliments the rest, thus making multi-disciplinary team working much more straightforward and effective.

This course goes to the heart of the problem and encourages participants to focus upon what they can do (their strengths) rather than the tasks and roles more suited to other agencies in the wider team.

This wider understanding of both the nature of dual diagnosis, the roles and boundaries of different agencies and, of course, government guidelines related to the care and treatment of dually diagnosed individuals allows workers, managers and service co-ordinators to play to their strengths in providing care that is both effective and inclusive.

The course covers:

What is dual diagnosis

The nature of addiction and dependence

Patterns & the cycle of change

Basic notes on interactions (substances and mental health problems)

The task

The chemistry of emotion

Planning recovery

Working together

Getting help

Using the legislation

Fill in the form below to arrange training for your staff